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If you are referring to the Cowper's Gland, it is not typically affected by the prostatectomy surgery (unless the disease has spread to that area).

The secretions that are normally produced by the Cowper’s glands help to protect sperm as it passes through the urethra during ejaculation. In response to sexual stimulation prior to ejaculation, the Cowper’s glands begin producing an alkaline mucous secretion known as pre-ejaculate. Pre-ejaculate neutralizes acidic urine that may still be present in the urethra while also lubricating the urethra and external urethral orifice to protect sperm from mechanical damage during ejaculation.

Thanks Mark - pretty well knew all that but, mine no longer functions and I wonder if it was removed due to the severity of the cancer or if the removal of the nerves controlling erection also kills the function of this gland. I once asked the surgeon about it but got one of those evasive answers one gets from professionals who don't think you would understand their answer anyway. Jon.

May I please show my ignorance here and say I understand what y'all are saying the Cowper's gland does, but is this secretion what is commonly called "pre-cum"? My surgeon said he left my Cowper's gland, but considering I have never produced any, I have no way of knowing if it is working now. I do however have an enormous amount of urine discharge when I am really excited. Could I be mistaking some of that discharge and instead of urine it is from the Cowper's gland?

Yes, the liquid from the Cowper's Gland is commonly known as "pre-cum". It will be clear, odor-less, thin and slippery, and it would have a slightly salty taste (if you were taste it). Urine would have different characteristics.

If in doubt, collect some of the liquid and ask your doctor to analyze it for you.

Jon R. Thanks for asking the question. And Mark, Thanks for the answers. I became aware of the Cowper's gland through my research after my Laproscopic Robotic Radical Prostatectomy 8 months ago. I have never had "pre-cum" in 63 years. Thanks for the knowledge. Now I have something else to miss...that I wish I had.

Steve: I have heard of several not ever having Cowper's gland function even before cancer. Not a topic often discussed like so many things connected with our "dilemma". Interesting that we don't know very much about our own inner workings till it is taken away from us. Then we become painfully aware. I use the old song line that says "You don't know what you've got till it's gone." Very true! It seems these very personal bodily functions are viewed as something we don't talk about but when they are gone, we realize how much we enjoyed having them and we are almost made to feel ashamed of mourning their loss. That is not right and just adds to the tragedy of this dammed disease. Treatment and the results of it are always worse than the disease - unless of course the disease kills you, which it very well might if left untreated! This all sucks of course - as we all know, which is why this site is so valuable in keeping us all on track in trying to keep a positive attitude in spite of the cards we have been dealt.

As I say so often, Hang in there guys. We are all in this together. Best to all! Jon.